RB Evans withdraws from Irving

[Peruna_Ate_My_Rolex]

Star RB is withdrawn from Irving

Evans may move after being involved in brawl; mom has safety concerns


11:12 AM CST on Friday, January 28, 2005


By TIM MacMAHON / The Dallas Morning News



Irving star junior tailback Jamaal Evans was withdrawn from school after being involved in a brawl Tuesday, his mother said.

Evans said he was suspended for two days and given 20 days in alternative school for his role in the brawl. Evans and his mother said it was the latest in a long line of violent confrontations between groups of black and Hispanic students at the school. Valerie Evans said she withdrew her son from school because she was concerned about his safety and thought his punishment was unfair.

Valerie Evans said Jamaal might move to Bolton, Miss., to live with his father, Fred Lewis. She said she is also considering options in the area, including charter schools and private school football powerhouse Arlington Grace Prep.

"I think a change of atmosphere will do Jamaal good," Valerie Evans said. "Unless they are willing to acknowledge the problem and do something about the problem, I don't see him going back [to Irving]."

Said Jamaal Evans: "I want to be at Irving. That's my school. But my mama, she's the adult. I've got to go along with what she says."

Irving coach Jim Bennett did not return a call requesting comment.

Evans rushed for 4,556 yards and 53 touchdowns on 663 carries the last two seasons. He was named SportsDay's All-Area Newcomer of the Year as a sophomore and first-team All-Area as a junior.

Evans said he was walking in a hallway to lunch with friends Tuesday when he saw a black friend being jumped by six Hispanic boys. He said he got involved in the brawl when his shirt was ripped while he was trying to pull the boys off his friend.

Irving principal Carolyn Dowler said 10 boys involved in the brawl were all given the same punishment. She declined to be more specific, citing student privacy laws.

Evans described the incident as a riot that involved at least 40 students. Dowler said that was an exaggeration.

Dowler acknowledged that there is ongoing friction between groups of black and Hispanic students at the school. However, she said it rarely results in fights.

"The same kids over and over are the ones that have the conflict," Dowler said. "This is not a school-wide issue. It's within a small group of kids."

Dowler said Evans had not been involved in another physical confrontation this school year. She described him as a leader who is an outstanding student and gifted athlete.

"He's full of life, and I enjoy having him around," Dowler said. "I never, ever wanted Jamaal Evans to leave Irving High School."

[LakeHighlandsPony]

We will hire him a Secret Service detail if he will come run at the Boneyard. I bet Jesuit gets in the running for his services.

[ponyboy]

We will hire him a Secret Service detail if he will come run at the Boneyard. I bet Jesuit gets in the running for his services.

Yeah, put snipers on the railroad bridge and the Zeke house.

[ThadFilms]

We will hire him a Secret Service detail if he will come run at the Boneyard. I bet Jesuit gets in the running for his services.

If Jesuit gets involved, at all, there will be screaming from here to the state capitol. This is the exact kind of thing the public schools didn't want to happen with JCP entering UIL play.

That being said... I wouldn't mind it at all if Evans became a Jesuit Ranger. Besides, we've got some Ponies in the athletic dept. over there.